Immediate loading of two single tooth implants in the maxilla: preliminary results after one year

This clinical report describes the traumatic avulsion of the left maxillary central and lateral incisors with minimal tissue trauma, followed by placement of provisional restorations of two root-form implants in a 14-year old female patient. Ten days following the avulsion, implant therapy was performed with Summers osteotomes and flapless technique using a root-form 3i osseotite NT. Angulated abutments and acrylic provisional crowns were placed. No occlusal contact was detected. An impression was made 30 days after implant insertion and ceramic restorations were placed 3 months later. No significant soft tissue contraction was observed during the provisional period. The patient exhibited no clinical or radiologic complications for 8 months after loading. In carefully selected under-aged patients implant therapy and immediate loading in the anterior maxilla for traumatic tooth avulsion may prove to be valuable to avoid soft tissue contraction, alveolar bone resorption, and positive esthetic/psychological response.